Great Britain Barbie dolls are now also available in blind

Barbie dolls are now also available with a visual impairment. The toy manufacturer Mattel is thus continuing its efforts to show a broader reflection of society.

The new doll has a cane and wears sunglasses, according to the company. The packaging features Braille, which is Braille for the blind.

"With these new dolls, even more children can find a Barbie that represents themselves and tell their own stories with her," the press release said. Representatives of associations for the blind were involved in the development of the doll.

"For me, this is another step towards finally creating a world that is made for blind young people to thrive," British journalist and activist Lucy Edwards, who is blind herself, told the PA news agency.

The first Barbie was introduced in 1959. Since then, there have been repeated discussions about whether the doll shows an unrealistic and one-sided body image. Barbie has embodied many different professions. She is now available with different characteristics, for example as a Barbie in a wheelchair or with Down's syndrome.

SDA